Whether your dream is to lead a Fortune 500 company, build your own thriving business, or simply have a career that actually excites you, business management might just be the smartest place to start.
In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, companies need leaders, strategists, and problem-solvers. That’s exactly what business management teaches you to become.
It’s not just about pushing paper or crunching numbers. It’s about understanding how every part of a business works and how to make it better.
In this post, we’ll break down what business management really is (in simple terms), explore the many career paths it opens up, and explain why it’s one of the most powerful foundations for long-term success, whether you want to rise through the ranks or build your own empire.
What is business management?
Business management is the process of planning, organising, leading, and controlling the activities of a business or organisation to achieve specific goals. It’s the backbone of every successful company, whether it’s a small startup, a nonprofit, or a global corporation.
At its core, business management is all about making sure that a business runs efficiently and effectively. It involves a combination of:
- Strategic planning and thinking
- Problem-solving skills
- Leadership skills
All to ensure that every part of the business works together smoothly, including marketing, finances, projects, and more.
What do business managers actually do?
Business managers wear many hats depending on their specific roles and the size of the organisation. But generally, their key responsibilities include:
- Setting goals and creating plans to achieve them.
- Managing teams and departments, ensuring everyone is productive and aligned.
- Overseeing budgets and making financial decisions to keep the business profitable.
- Solving problems and making critical decisions that affect the company’s direction.
- Monitoring performance and improving business operations.
Real-life examples
- Apple Inc. is one of the world’s most valuable companies, and its success isn’t just about its innovative products. Behind the scenes, skilled business managers coordinate supply chains, manage retail operations, forecast market trends, and set global strategies.
- Netflix uses business management to make data-driven decisions about which shows to produce, how to price subscriptions, and how to manage global expansion – all while keeping customer satisfaction high.
Business managers are highly useful to organisations, which is why, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in management occupations is projected to grow faster than most occupations from 2023 to 2033.
Business management career paths
Business management creates the opportunity for many jobs, whether you want to oversee an entire company or lead a specific department.
You can work as a general business manager, responsible for the overall performance of a company or branch. These professionals typically supervise multiple departments, coordinate operations, set and achieve goals, and ensure everything runs smoothly.
For example, a store manager at Woolworths or Pick n Pay is a general manager making daily decisions about staff, stock, customer service, and budgeting.
Alternatively, you might choose to specialise as a department manager in a specific area of business. Here are just some career paths within business management:
- Marketing manager: Oversees marketing strategies, advertising campaigns, brand strategy, and a team of creatives or analysts. For example, marketing managers at companies like Coca-Cola South Africa are the brains behind campaigns that keep the brand top of mind across the continent.
- Project manager: In charge of planning and executing projects, ensuring they’re completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Think of someone managing the rollout of a new app for a tech company or coordinating construction for a real estate development.
- Operations manager: Handles the day-to-day running of business operations, improving processes and productivity. Logistics companies like DHL or Shoprite’s supply chain rely on skilled operations management professionals to keep things moving efficiently.
- Human resource manager: Focuses on hiring, training, employee well-being, and ensuring compliance with labour laws.
- Financial manager: Oversees budgets, financial planning, and reporting, which is essential in companies of all sizes.
In South Africa, business and management positions consistently rank among the most in-demand and best-paying careers, offering both stability and growth.
How useful is a business management degree?
A business management degree is one of the most versatile qualifications you can earn, and it’s a powerful start to a wide range of career paths. Here are some of the biggest business degree benefits and why you should consider taking this route.
Versatility across industries
One of the biggest advantages of a business management qualification is that it’s not tied to one specific field.
You can work in retail, finance, healthcare, tech, tourism, or even non-profits. Nearly every organisation needs skilled managers who can lead teams, solve problems, and drive results.
For example, someone with a business management degree could become a sales manager at a telecommunications company like Vodacom, a logistics coordinator in the food industry, or even a business analyst in a bank.
High-income potential
Management roles often come with strong earning potential. According to PayScale, the average salary for a business manager in South Africa is around R500,000 per year, with senior managers earning well into the seven figures depending on the industry and company size.
Globally, roles like marketing manager, financial manager, and operations manager regularly appear on lists of top-paying jobs, especially for those with experience or additional qualifications.
A pathway to entrepreneurship
If your dream is to be your own boss, a business management degree gives you the foundation to start, run, and grow your own company. You’ll learn about finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, which are all essential for launching a successful business.
Take Vusi Thembekwayo, for example. He started in business consulting and is now a global entrepreneur and venture capitalist, using his business background to empower and invest in startups across Africa.
FAQ
Who should consider a qualification in business management?
A qualification in business management is ideal for you if:
- You enjoy working with people and leading projects.
- You want a stable, high-demand career in almost any industry.
- You’re thinking about starting your own business one day.
- You want a broad, flexible qualification that doesn’t lock you into one path.
- You’re considering further studies, such as an MBA or postgraduate diploma.
Does Regent offer business management as a diploma or degree?
REGENT Business School offers both diplomas and degrees in business management and other management areas, giving you multiple entry points based on your academic background and career goals. Here are some of the courses offered by REGENT:
- Higher Certificate in Business Management
- Diploma in Financial Management
- Diploma in Public Relations Management
- BCom in Human Resource Management
- BCom in Retail Management
- BCom in Supply Chain Management
Is business management a good foundation for entrepreneurship?
Yes, business management gives you a well-rounded toolkit to launch and grow your own business, from understanding financial statements to managing people and marketing your product or service effectively.
Many successful entrepreneurs start with a background in business. The skills you learn, such as strategic planning, budgeting, customer engagement, and operational efficiency, are all crucial to building a profitable business.
Study business management in South Africa with REGENT
Business management is a great career field for people interested in running different areas of an organisation. If you’re someone who is a great leader, likes taking change, and enjoys helping an organisation succeed, a management course may be ideal for you.
If you’re looking to start a career in business and want to dip your toes into the world of management, you can have a look at the Higher Certificate in Business Management.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive degree that teaches you how to manage different business departments, have a look at REGENT Business School’s business management degrees.
